That's does sound a lot but it's similar to what I've seen in some houses in magazines. Depends on your house. You might want to get some prices on real and replica before getting your heart set on something.

I have seen/read of people buying a whole slab and then mapping out their cuts to get the most out of it.

Marble stains and etches easily.

I understand that marble stains and etches but I was hoping that using it on vertical surfaces may help to prevent some of this....

Hi guys

Smart Stone do an engineered Calacatta in a slab and there are a few different styles to choose from. Works out to be a lot cheaper then buying natural marble. Looks great as features but you can defintely over do it.

Thanks Fort Interiors. I checked out the Smartstone website and found my dream kitchen! I just received the quote from my local joinery works for my proposed kitchen island, bench and splashback in 'statuario venato' including under mount sink cut out, 2 power point cut outs and waterfall ends -just under $13000!! Unfortunately it seems I will be needing to reign in my naive champagne taste ideas :(